“I don’t have anything to wear.” We’ve all said it. As women who care about being stylish and attractive, we love to constantly reinvent our style and create new looks for special occasions. But who has the time – or money, for that matter – to buy a new outfit for every occasion? Certainly not me. That’s why I have come to love fashion accessories.

Accessorizing Is One of the Keys to Fashion for Women Over 60

Over the years, I have found that one of the secrets to looking stylish in any situation is to add elements that make me sparkle to my existing wardrobe. When you accessorize the clothes that you already have you accomplish two things. First, you get to wear something that you are already totally comfortable in. Second, you are able to pull out your style in subtle and intriguing ways.

Let Your Accessories Redefine “Sexy”

Wearing a basic outfit that fits perfectly allows us to generate enough energy and confidence to make our “invisibility cloak” dissolve. Adding an accessory that represents our deepest passions creates confidence. And confidence is sexy.

Of course, there are visual rules to matching colors and patterns. More important, however, to the overall impression that you create is how well your outfit matches your personality and energy.

A beautiful accessory makes you more seductive, in the best possible sense. The right accessory can be a conversation starter.

Trust me; no one will remember that you’ve worn the same black dress to the last five events you’ve attended. But they will remember your shimmering Indian scarf, handcrafted crystal necklace, shiny metallic handbag, or purple vintage hat.

Let’s Talk About Accessories!

Scarves – Great Style Can Be a Cinch

Scarves are a great and inexpensive way to add color and interest to your wardrobe, yet some women shy away from this versatile fashion accessory because they don’t know how to wear it.

Take heart! You don’t need to know 100 ways to tie a scarf; one or two will work just fine. Of course, if you want to be more inventive, there are lots of YouTube videos that will show you multiple ways to wear scarves, from simple to complicated.

Think your neck is too long or too short? Scarves can come to the rescue here as well. A long neck can be camouflaged with a tight-fitting scarf, while a shorter neck can be lengthened with a draping scarf. All in all, this accessory can’t be beat for impact and affordability.

Necklaces and Earrings – Don’t Be Afraid to Go BIG

Necklaces and earrings are a great way to add interest and sparkle to a plain ensemble. Large earrings can be especially striking. Since mature women often wear their hair shorter, they may feel they shouldn’t wear large earrings. Not so! Shorter hair just lets those great earrings stand out more.

Women over 50 may also have a problem with elongated earlobes so heavier earrings would not sit correctly. Fashion for mature women comes to the rescue in two ways: lighter earrings made of silicone, leather, or tassels, and large plastic backs that allow for more support.

Purses – Get Noticed with Terrific Totes

Why have a boring purse that just carries your stuff when there are so many wonderful, exciting options? Choose a purse you love even if you think it might be “too young” for you. Who says women over 50 shouldn’t carry a cute kitten bag?

Purses can also be works of art, covered with embroidery or cunningly stitched from various fabrics. Go for the “wow factor!” You’re sure to get compliments and that is an open door to starting conversations and meeting new people.

Who knew fashion for mature women could make the world a friendlier place?

One example of an attention getting purse is this Patricia Nash Laureana Frame Leather Satchel with Bamboo Handles. You can find it at Macy’s.

Shoes – Rules No Longer Apply

Shoes aren’t just a great fashion accessory; they are literally the foundation of your wardrobe. You rely on them to hold you up and protect your feet from the ground you walk on.

Driven by fashion for women over 50, there is a new trend confirming that shoes don’t have to be uncomfortable to be stylish.

Sneakers in great patterns and metallic colors are definitely a testament to the marriage of style and comfort. Sneakers aren’t just for shorts or gym clothes anymore, so go ahead and pair them with a dress for a fun, youthful look.

If you haven’t yet, check out these Hawthorn Platform Sneakers from NATURALIZER at Nordstrom.

Boost Your Look with Brooches

I love accessorizing my outfits with vintage brooches, especially since each brooch comes with their own story.

Brooches can elevate the style of your outfit and show off your personality. They are versatile as well, since there are many ways to include them in an outfit. For example, you can wear them as a cluster on a jean jacket.

Besides pinning brooches to your outfits, you can attach them on handbags, purses, and hats as well.

Accessorizing does not necessarily have to burn a hole in your pocket either. All in all, brooches are a great way to make your outfits look more elegant, personalized, and serves as a great conversation starter as well.

Build on the Basics

Even women that love fashion and enjoy shopping for different clothes recognize the benefits of building on a basic wardrobe. Most fashion experts that I have spoken with recommend that women of any age start with a few high-quality basic clothing items in black, gray, or brown.

These classic items become the canvas that you cover with beautiful scarves, pins, jackets, hats, and belts.

This article by the Daily Mail describes the basics that they feel every woman should have. They emphasize quality over quantity. The key message I loved was:

“Your wardrobe should contain only amazing choices – it is much easier to be inspired when you see five remarkable pieces than when you see 25 pieces and 20 of those are unremarkable.”

Their list includes, of course, a little black dress, a classic white shirt, one cashmere or beautiful soft sweater. These form the foundation of your wardrobe and are essential to fashion for women over 60.

Your Personal Style Should be… Well, Personal

The secret to creating your personal fashion style is to make it just that – personal. Build your style around who you are, what you love, and how you live. It’s time to take off your invisibility cloak and part of this process involves removing the clothes from your wardrobe that hide your personality.

If you want to sparkle, go ahead. If you want to wear tight jeans, why not? If you prefer boxy clothes or nothing but black – go ahead! Fashion in our 60s is about confirming who we are, not conforming to what the world wants us to be.

I love this quote from Nina Garcia’s book, The Little Black Book of Style, “Choose accessories as you would friends, seeking out the ones that compliment you, make you feel confident, and stick by you through ups and downs, men, and extra pounds.”

The art of accessorizing makes shopping a fun adventure. Every accessory that you find that represents your inner values is a new friend that will help you navigate the world with a bounce in your step and a sparkle in your eyes.

What 3 items in your wardrobe do you love the most? Do you have a favorite accessory? What is the story behind how you found it? What do you think are the most important elements of fashion for women over 60? Leave your comments below to inspire other women.